Phillies: Cole Hamels' health overshadows A.J. Burnett deal

Phillies veteran to miss opening day

11:40 PM,
Feb. 12, 2014

Phillies starting pitcher Cole Hamels went 8-14 last season.

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A calm day in overcast Florida quickly became hectic for the Phillies on Wednesday.

First, staff ace Cole Hamels said bicep tendinitis has delayed his offseason throwing program and will force him to miss opening day, weakening an already wobbly rotation. Hamels said the discomfort began in his shoulder.

Shortly afterward, reports emerged that the Phillies and free-agent starter A.J. Burnett had agreed to a one-year contract. Fox Sports reported the deal is worth $16 million. Burnett, 37, considered retirement after spending the last two years in Pittsburgh. If he returned to the mound, ...